Dee called last night and they have crossed into Arizona. They plan to reach Phoenix on Monday and have a layover day there on Tuesday. She really enjoyed the campsite they stayed at on Fri night. It was right beside the Colorado River so dee had a chance to soak her feet in the cold waters and, once they were adequately numb, retreat to the hot tub.
Yesterday Dee had her first flat tire along with 3 other riders. The culprit was the steel wires embedded in steel-belted radial tires & truck retreads when they blow out. Dee said you could avoid the remains of the tires along side of the road but the fine pieces of wire are hard to see and can work their way into your bike tire. She was assisted in the flat-changing process by Steve, one of the riders who had a flat at the same place as Dee. She was glad for the help but felt she could of managed by herself if she had to. Saturday's ride was close to 70 miles, a bit farther than originally planned so they can stay at a better campground. Today and Monday look to be 60 mile rides that will get them to Phoenix.
I told her of the great messages that have been posted by all of you since she was last able to get to a computer and she is really anxious to read them when she makes it to Phoenix. I think she is even more anxious to get to a computer than to a Weight Watcher's weigh-in in Phoenix but she will probably do both!
Take Care folks, Rob.
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15 comments:
Hi Dee,
This is a test note to see if I can send a message. I had to e-mail my last message to Gina because it wouldn't go from here.
Linda O.
Dee, On my left is my computer screen and on my right is my well worn road atlas. In Pennslyvania I would always plan my trips around the light grey roads. Where are they! I am totally fascinated. I find myself daydreaming about this trip a lot , It is starting to interfere with work.
Love Mark S
I miss you everyday but I'm so excited each day to know that the trip is going well. Stay strong and safe. Love you, Me
Hello my friend,
The excitement and joy about this trip comes through so well. . . . all borne of incredible accomplishment.
So glad to know you have had a chance to rest by a river. Good for the soul. So happy you will soon have a layover day. Good for the muscles.
Can't imagine the scenery you are taking in. The time on the bike that allows you to open your soul.
Came across this earlier today, and thought of you when I read it:
"Thoughts within my soul awaken as
I take the road I’ve not yet taken.
I’ve relished life, I’ve loved and laughed, not dwelling on things that have long since past, but to celebrate my life within."
Pedal on!
Laura
Hello - Dee, Rob,Kali and Jamie - glad to hear all are doing well and keeping busy while Dee is away. Miss Dee - sorry I haven't written sooner been a little busy and away overnight on Saurday. You sound like you are really doing a great job and staying with the group. Let the men change your tire - take avantage of that.I hope the one rider is well and will be leaving out of Phoenix with all of you - that is a shame she got hurt. Just make sure you are being careful and don't be going downhill toooooo fast. Not much new with me - going to my daughters this weekend for some kids and grandkids attention. I don't want to take up a lot of your time and just wanted to let you know I am updated on your progress now and will keep in touch. You take care and I love you and am so proud of you. Love MJ
Hi Dee,
I'm so glad to hear things are going well. I'm still in awe of this whole trip. 70 miles and then back on the bike the next day... That takes serious commitment, not to mention a leather backside.
I think of you often and send my best wishes for continued good spirits, good luck, and good weather.
All my best...
Beate
Hi aunt dee,
Its taken me a while to post, I've been so busy, but I had my first race today, and I definitely felt some pain! I'm very angry at your boys for going to river without me, but I'll just have to kick their butts.
I rode my dad's bike today along Kelly Drive and boathouse row, and all I could think about was you, and how freaking AMAZING what you are doing is. Your seeing places I only dream about, and doing things I don't have the guts to do. It's just phenomenal
SOOOOOOO much love,
Kelcey
P.S. I can't believe I wasn't home when you called!
P.P.S. I read Jamie's post......biking...kayaking....oh well everything means kayaking to him!
LOVE YOU
Hey Dee, I finally figured out how to send these without emailing them to Gina. If anyone else is having trouble, which I'm sure they're not, I hit preview first then hit publish from that spot and it went. I figured it out myself too - ta-da! I rule! (Except that I don't because I already wrote this letter earlier and lost it when the phone rang and disconnected me...ugh.) Nothing's really changed.
Hey, don't let Rob fool you, the house is not spotless, the laundry isn't caught up... ok, the fish is fed but they're missing you and needing you like crazy!! (and I think that's why they escaped to Ohiopyle so they didn't have to smell dirty dishes in the sink.)
I was surprised that they were able to paddle yesterday as we've had snow and ice right up to three days ago. We just started tapping this week. Dick said it's the latest we've ever started. Looks like the temps will be in the 40's and maybe 50's this week with nights below freezing - perfect for a fast sap run. Even if we only boil for a week and a half, we'll get enough for us for the year and for gifts.
Sorry that I hog so much space when I write. That's the way it goes. This blog is great and I'm looking forward to your next update. Hope you're doing okay. My prayers for your safety and endurance are pretty constant throughout the day along with so many of your other friends and family. Love you so much.
Linda O'farmlady
An excerpt from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet that made me think of your journey...
And a man said, Speak to us of Self-Knowledge.
And he answered, saying:
Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.
You would know in words that
which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.
And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs
rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths
would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge
with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.
Say not, "I have found the truth"
but rather, "I have found a truth."
Say not, "I have found the path of the soul."
Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.
Mom, may your soul continue to unfold with every breath.
Love you always,
Kali
Hi Dee,
I have my whole gang home this weekend, Justin and Jenna too, and we've been catching up on your great ride. We are all so happy to see you rolling along in our minds. We'll keep following you and praying for your safe and satisfying travel.
Love you, Shar
Great Progress Dee! I pray for your inner and outer strength, comfort, and rolling joy! Carol S.
Hi Dee,
It was great to hear your voice this morning..but made me miss your smiling face even more!
Sounds like you are enjoying this journey with all your heart.
Mimi can't read your messages on her computer for some reason, so I printed all we have so far and gave them to her this morning. You would've thought I gave her a million dollars!! She is so sweet. Why is it MOST of our ladies ARE so sweet, I think we have a very unique Curves. I have friends from other areas and their Curves aren't near as nice as ours. Thanks to you and Mary!! Good people deserve the best. Sorry I'm rambling...
Well, you hang in there and most of all be safe!!
Love you,
Linda T
Hi Dee,
I see you are having a grand time! It seems your new bike is working out well. I knew it would! Have you tested out any of the skills you learned in bike fixing class?
Your thoughtful musings are making me eager to take another trip myself. I was laughing at how you are all trying to "download." I can't believe that when I set out on my trip, I had brought a hammer!! That was quickly left as a freebie at a campsite in Washington. I chuckle when I think about it as I am sure you will laugh and chuckle in the months and years to come over all the marvelous ups and downs of your trip.
Stay cool!
Lisa
To my dear Dee,
I was SO happy to get your call tonite on my cell. I was walking into your wonderful house with Jules and Lar after Boys and Girls Scout meetings. My hands were full and I could not find my cell phone!
Thank you for calling.It made my night.
I am so incredibly proud of you - what you are doing is amazingly awesome. You make me realize how important it is to set our own dreams - and work to make them happen.
When I think of your course and the heat, I want to cry!!! :)
But what an accomplishment it all is.
Sounds like your crew is really great. Surely you are all bonding in a way that will make you lifelong partners.
I am fine (despite those DAMN fleas!!) It's great to be able to come here to your house with ROb, Jamers and CHuckie. The kids have fallen in love with the dog, now that he doesn't attack them "with love."It's hilarious.
I root for you in all parts of your journey: the physical, the distance, the emotion, the heart-felt love and drive which makes it all possible.
Love you with all my heart -
Jane
Hi Sweetie:
Jamie and I had a great evening at the Carnegie tonight with Mitch & Steve. The chef/speaker was funny & amazing. Jamie dug it so that made my evening. We will hook up with Mitch in the Strip for breakfast soon. Go ahead and get a massage, my treat. We are really proud of the distance you've traveled. Look forward to your Phoenix post. Love you babe,
Rob
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